The Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs) have released CEN 08/2026 for the recruitment of Station Masters across various railway zones. The post combines operational control, train movement coordination, passenger safety, and station management responsibilities.
With 1,265 vacancies, Level 6 pay, and a graduate-level eligibility requirement, this is one of the most sought-after railway recruitments of 2026.
Unlike many graduate-level government recruitments, candidates can apply to only one RRB. This makes vacancy analysis and RRB selection particularly important before submission of the application.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
| Indicative Notice | 24 Oct 2026 |
| Application Start | 27 Oct 2026 |
| CEN | CEN 08/2026 |
| Application Last Date | 25 Nov 2026 |
| Fee Payment Last Date | 27 Nov 2026 |
| Correction Window | 28 Nov to 07 Dec 2026 |
| CBT Exam Date | To be notified |
| CBAT Date | To be notified |
Vacancy Details
Total Vacancies
The notification announces 1,265 Station Master vacancies distributed across multiple RRBs and railway zones.
Category-Wise Vacancy Distribution
| Category | Vacancies |
| UR | 542 |
| SC | 176 |
| ST | 104 |
| OBC-NCL | 296 |
| EWS | 147 |
| Total | 1,265 |
RRB-Wise Vacancy Distribution
| RRB | Total Vacancies |
| Mumbai | 177 |
| Prayagraj | 112 |
| Chennai | 119 |
| Jammu-Srinagar | 122 |
| Thiruvananthapuram | 114 |
| Bengaluru | 102 |
| Secunderabad | 70 |
| Bilaspur | 64 |
| Bhopal | 62 |
| Ajmer | 61 |
| Guwahati | 37 |
| Ahmedabad | 31 |
| Kolkata | 37 |
| Chandigarh | 28 |
| Siliguri | 26 |
| Bhubaneswar | 23 |
| Gorakhpur | 18 |
| Patna | 17 |
| Ranchi | 27 |
| Muzaffarpur | 14 |
| Malda | 4 |
| Total | 1,265 |
Railway Zone-Wise Vacancy Distribution
| Railway Zone | Total Vacancies |
| CR (Central Railway) | 137 |
| NR (Northern Railway) | 158 |
| NCR (North Central Railway) | 104 |
| WR (Western Railway) | 68 |
| WCR (West Central Railway) | 61 |
| SWR (South Western Railway) | 102 |
| SR (Southern Railway) | 233 |
| ECoR (East Coast Railway) | 23 |
| SECR (South East Central Railway) | 52 |
| NER (North Eastern Railway) | 18 |
| NFR (Northeast Frontier Railway) | 63 |
| ER (Eastern Railway) | 36 |
| SER (South Eastern Railway) | 17 |
| SCR (South Central Railway) | 33 |
| ECR (East Central Railway) | 46 |
| SCoR (South Coast Railway) | 65 |
| Total | 1,265 |
RRB Station Master Vacancy 2026: RRB-Wise, Railway Zone-Wise and Category-Wise Vacancy and Distribution
| RRB | Railway Zone | UR | SC | ST | OBC-NCL | EWS | Total |
| Ahmedabad | WR | 13 | 5 | 2 | 7 | 4 | 31 |
| Ajmer | NWR | 23 | 3 | 1 | 7 | 15 | 49 |
| Ajmer | WCR | 6 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 1 | 12 |
| Prayagraj | NCR | 44 | 15 | 7 | 28 | 10 | 104 |
| Prayagraj | NR | 3 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 8 |
| Bengaluru | SWR | 52 | 12 | 10 | 22 | 6 | 102 |
| Bhopal | WCR | 21 | 8 | 2 | 13 | 5 | 49 |
| Bhopal | WR | 5 | 2 | 1 | 4 | 1 | 13 |
| Bhubaneswar | ECoR | 9 | 2 | 1 | 4 | 7 | 23 |
| Bilaspur | CR | 6 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 12 |
| Bilaspur | SECR | 23 | 7 | 4 | 13 | 5 | 52 |
| Chandigarh | NR | 19 | 3 | 1 | 4 | 1 | 28 |
| Chennai | SR | 47 | 19 | 8 | 32 | 13 | 119 |
| Gorakhpur | NER | 1 | 4 | 9 | 0 | 4 | 18 |
| Guwahati | NFR | 16 | 5 | 2 | 10 | 4 | 37 |
| Jammu-Srinagar | NR | 50 | 18 | 9 | 33 | 12 | 122 |
| Kolkata | ER | 11 | 5 | 3 | 9 | 4 | 32 |
| Kolkata | SER | 3 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 5 |
| Malda | ER | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 4 |
| Mumbai | CR | 54 | 18 | 11 | 32 | 10 | 125 |
| Mumbai | SCR | 19 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 28 |
| Mumbai | WR | 10 | 3 | 2 | 7 | 2 | 24 |
| Muzaffarpur | ECR | 5 | 2 | 1 | 4 | 2 | 14 |
| Patna | ECR | 5 | 2 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 17 |
| Ranchi | ECR | 6 | 2 | 1 | 4 | 2 | 15 |
| Ranchi | SER | 4 | 7 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 12 |
| Secunderabad | SCR | 3 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 5 |
| Secunderabad | SCoR | 32 | 6 | 3 | 12 | 12 | 65 |
| Siliguri | NFR | 10 | 4 | 2 | 7 | 3 | 26 |
| Thiruvananthapuram | SR | 42 | 17 | 9 | 32 | 14 | 114 |
| Total | — | 542 | 176 | 104 | 296 | 147 | 1,265 |
Key Insights
✅ More than half of the Station Master vacancies (686 out of 1,265) are concentrated in six RRBs: Mumbai (CR), Jammu-Srinagar, Chennai, Thiruvananthapuram, Prayagraj, and Bengaluru.
✅ Southern Railway zones perform strongly in this recruitment. Chennai and Thiruvananthapuram alone contribute 233 vacancies.
✅ The UR category accounts for 542 vacancies (42.8%), while OBC-NCL contributes 296 vacancies (23.4%), making it the second-largest reservation category.
✅ Competition strategy matters because candidates can apply to only one RRB. High-vacancy boards generally attract more applicants, so vacancy count should be assessed along with expected competition levels.
Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification
To be eligible, candidates must possess a recognized graduate-level qualification before the last date of application.
Age Limit
| Requirement | Details |
| Minimum Age | 20 Years |
| Maximum Age | 33 Years |
| Cut-off Date | 01 January 2027 |
Age Relaxation
| Category | Age Relaxation | Conditions |
| OBC-NCL | 3 Years | Valid Certificate |
| SC/ST | 5 Years | Valid Certificate |
| Ex-Servicemen | As per service | Applicable Rules |
| Railway Employees | Up to 40/43/45 Years | Based on Category |
| Widowed/Divorced Women | Up to 35/38/40 Years | Category-Based |
Nationality
Applicants must be:
- Indian citizens
- Subjects of Nepal
- Subjects of Bhutan
- Eligible persons of Indian origin specified in the notification
Medical Standard
Station Master requires A-2 Medical Standard.
Vision Requirements
| Requirement | Standard |
| Distant Vision | 6/9, 6/9 without glasses |
| Near Vision | Sn 0.6/0.6 |
| Colour Vision | Mandatory |
| Night Vision | Mandatory |
| Binocular Vision | Mandatory |
Medical Alert
Candidates must not have undergone LASIK or any refractive eye correction procedure, as the post requires compliance with A-2 medical standards.
Selection Process
The Station Master selection process consists of 4 steps:
- Computer-Based Test (CBT): Candidates are assessed on mathematics, analytical ability, logical capability, and mental reasoning through an objective online examination.
- Computer-Based Aptitude Test (CBAT): Qualified CBT candidates undergo an aptitude test to evaluate decision-making, concentration, attention, and operational suitability for the Station Master role.
- Document Verification: Shortlisted candidates must produce original educational, identity, category, and other required documents to confirm eligibility.
- Medical Examination: Candidates are examined against the prescribed A-2 medical standard, including vision and fitness requirements, to ensure suitability for safety-related railway duties.
Selection Insight
Many candidates focus entirely on CBT preparation. However, Station Master is among the few railway posts where aptitude performance directly influences final ranking. Strong CBAT scores can significantly improve merit position.
Exam Pattern
CBT Exam Pattern
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
| Basic Science, Mathematical & Analytical Capability | 60 | 60 |
| Logical Capability | 20 | 20 |
| Mental Reasoning | 20 | 20 |
| Total | 100 | 100 |
Other Details
| Particular | Details |
| Duration | 120 Minutes |
| Negative Marking | 1/3 Mark |
| Normalization | Applicable |
| Question Type | Objective |
Subject-wise Marks Distribution
Exam Pattern Insight
The first section alone contributes 60% of total marks. Candidates who underprepare this portion may struggle even if reasoning performance is strong.
Syllabus
| Subject | Important Topics | Preparation Insight |
| Basic Science & Mathematics | • Number System • Ratio & Proportion • Percentage • Profit & Loss • Time & Distance • Algebra • Geometry • Statistics • Probability • Basic Electricity • Heat & Temperature | This section carries the highest weightage in the CBT and should be the primary focus area during preparation. |
| Data Analysis & Interpretation | • Charts • Graphs • Pie Charts • Data Sufficiency • Venn Diagrams • Data Arrangement | Questions test numerical interpretation and analytical thinking through graphical and data-based problem-solving. |
| Logical Reasoning & Reading Comprehension | • Syllogism • Blood Relations • Clocks & Calendars • Family Tree • Reading Comprehension • Logic Puzzles | Strong reasoning ability can help candidates score quickly and accurately with consistent practice. |
| Mental Reasoning | • Analogy • Coding-Decoding • Arrangements • Ranking • Series Completion | This section evaluates pattern recognition, decision-making, and mental agility, which are important for Station Master duties. |
Salary and Pay Scale
The Station Master post falls under Pay Level 6 (7th CPC) with an initial basic pay of ₹35,400.
| Salary Component | Details |
| Basic Pay | ₹35,400 |
| Pay Level | Level 6 |
| Dearness Allowance | As Applicable |
| House Rent Allowance | As Applicable |
| Transport Allowance | As Applicable |
| NPS Deduction | Applicable |
| Other Deductions | As Per Rules |
Salary Insight
The attraction of the Station Master post lies not only in basic pay but also in allowances, career progression and operational importance within Indian Railways.
How to Apply
Candidates must apply through the official application portal.
Step-by-Step Process
- Visit the application portal.
- Create an account.
- Login using credentials.
- Select RRB.
- Fill application form.
- Upload required documents.
- Pay examination fee.
- Submit and download confirmation.
Application Fee
| Candidate Category | Application Fee | Refund Conditions |
| General/OBC/EWS | ₹500 | ₹400 refunded after CBT |
| SC/ST/Female/Transgender/ExSM/EBC/Minority | ₹250 | Full fee refunded after CBT |
Candidates may apply to only one RRB. Any candidate found submitting multiple applications may have all applications rejected.
Station Master Job Profile
A Station Master acts as the operational controller of a railway station and coordinates train movements, signalling activities and passenger operations.
Shift Work
Posting usually involves rotational shifts because station operations continue round the clock.
Career Progression
Station Master
Station Superintendent
Chief Station Manager
Assistant Operations Manager
Divisional Operations Manager
Job Reality Insight
The role combines office work and field responsibility. Candidates seeking operational leadership, decision-making authority and long-term railway careers often prefer Station Master over desk-based administrative posts.
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FAQs on RRB Station Master Recruitment
1. What is the prescribed age criteria for the station master post?
Minimum age limit: 20 years and maximum age limit: 33 years as on 01 January 2027.
2. What educational criteria must candidates meet for station master recruitment?
Graduation in any stream from a recognized university is the required standard.
3. What are the steps involved in the selection process?
Candidates are selected through a CBT, followed by a CBAT, document verification, and a medical fitness assessment.
4. Is CBAT mandatory?
Yes. Candidate has to clear CBAT exam for making it to final merit list.
5. What is the initial basic salary?
Initial basic salary of ₹35,400 (Level 6).
6. What medical standards must candidates satisfy for eligibility?
Candidates must satisfy A-2 medical standards including prescribed eyesight norms.
7. Can candidates apply to multiple RRBs?
No. Application can be done only for one RRB.
8. When will the admit card and result be released?
The dates for the examination, admit card, and result are yet to be notified. Candidates must check the official RRB website periodically for the latest updates.
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